12 Things I’m Loving Lately

That note was Eric’s cell phone alarm screeching at us to get to the airport.

Actually, I was already up. I’ve always been the annoying early riser, while he has always been the annoying “I hate mornings” person. We’ve reached a bitter conclusion. Neither one of us is going to change.

I was in the bathroom getting ready and I could hear the cringe-worthy alarm jingle (shudder) going off for what seemed like hours. How is he not awake yet? The sound got louder and louder until finally I heard a grumble and the alarm went off.

Finally, peace and quiet.

“Oh SHIT!!” Eric screamed from the bedroom.

“What’s wrong?” I screamed back like an 85 year old with a hearing aid.

Seconds later, Eric came into the bathroom clutching a glass of water in one hand and his cell phone in the other.

“Do you think your mom has a bag of rice I could use…?”

I knew where this was going. The disgruntled sleeper had turned off the phone alarm and then slid the phone – with his eyes closed – onto the edge of the nightstand. Only the nightstand turned out to be the EDGE OF A HUGE GLASS OF WATER.

Plop!

Being the great wife that I am, I could not stop laughing. It really made my day.

It turns out, the bag of dry rice trick worked (in the sense that his phone operates, but the screen jumbles up every now and then) and we got it through airport security without even raising an eyebrow.

This story has absolutely nothing to do with today’s post, except for the fact that it makes me happy. So do all of these things below.

1. Almond Dream “Ice Cream”

Finally, we have an almond based vegan ice cream to add to the coconut and soy based ice creams out there! While I do enjoy coconut-based ice creams, I find them incredibly rich and sometimes I just don’t want coconut! Almond Dream is lighter. It’s no where close to being as creamy as coconut ice creams – it has almost an icy and firm feel to it – but that didn’t stop me from eating half the container over the weekend. I hear they have other flavours such as chocolate and Praline Crunch. So far, I’ve only come across vanilla and chocolate in my neck of the woods.

3. Wildwood Sprouted Organic Super Firm Tofu

My friend Heather told me about this Wildwood tofu a few months ago and I’ve been loving it ever since. The organic soybeans are sprouted making it easier to digest. They aren’t kidding when they say it’s super firm. Sometimes, I just rinse it and squeeze the block with a tea towel and proceed with cooking. It’s great when I don’t have time to press. Close runner up: Sol Organic’s Firm tofu.

4. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Bar Soap in Lavender

I’m a huge lavender nut so this soap is right up my alley. It’s great in the shower with a big puff or simply used as a hand soap in the kitchen or bathroom. It’s like a mini spa treatment infusing the air with calming lavender. Mmm.

5. Tonica Kombucha

I was never a big kombucha fan, but Ange got me hooked on this milder-tasting brand and I’ve enjoyed all of the flavours so far. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day.

6. Medjool Dates (2lb) from Costco

Costco carries medjool dates by the 2 pound box for about $8.99 here in Ontario. It’s about $3-4 dollars cheaper than what I’ve seen in local grocery stores.

7. Kettle Brand Baked Salt and Vinegar Chips

I mentioned these a while back and I’ll say it again, I LOVE these chips! I will never buy the deep fried Kettle chips again now that I know how amazing the baked ones are. They are a bit thicker and much crispier than their regular chips, but I don’t mind. I’ve always been a huge salt & vinegar fan and this flavour doesn’t disappoint. Next on the list to try- BBQ. Did I mention a serving size is around 30-32 chips?

8. Green Beaver “Apres-ski” Boreal Face Cream

Boy, do I love a great Canadian business, especially when they create quality beauty products using natural ingredients! Many of Green Beaver’s products are vegan and none of them are tested on animals. They have the largest “natural, eco-friendly and organic certified (EcoCert) product line in Canada”, according to their website. I love this Boreal Face Cream. I rub it into my face, neck, décolletage, and hands before bed and my skin is super soft in the morning.

I have naturally dry skin (even in the humid summer heat) and this moisturizer really does the trick. Now be warned – it’s THICK and heavy! At first, I was put off by this, but when I saw how good it worked – and reminded myself of the ingredient list – I figured I could live with it. Plus, I only use it before bed so the heavy feel doesn’t bother me when I’m asleep. I probably wouldn’t use this as a day cream unless my skin happened to be super dry during the winter. For now, nighttime use seems to be hydrating my skin more than enough.

I also use the SPF 15 daytime face cream. It’s decent for an all-natural cream, although it leaves a bit of a greasy feel after absorbing. All in all though, I love that I’m not rubbing harsh chemicals on my face. My advice is to test out the creams on your own skin prior to purchasing. For a list of Canadian retailers, see this list.

I’ve been doing a ton of reading about food photography lately. I just can’t get enough! This website called Learn Food Photography is a great resource for all things food photography and blogging. The first time I found it, I read articles for about 3 hours straight. Now only if it would rub off on me…

10. V. K. Rees Photography

Vanessa Rees is an incredibly talented and inspiring photographer. She shares her food, event, wedding, and portrait photography on her blog, V.K. Rees Photography. Be ready to drool in awe and find some yummy recipes at the same time. Plus, her adorable kitty Marshall is featured throughout the blog. Sketchie’s crushing big time.

11. Shark 2-in-1 Steam Vac

We bought this 2-in-1 steam vac due to all the wood floors in our new place. I wasn’t sure whether to buy it because I read some negative reviews, but I’m so glad I did. It works as a vacuum and floor steamer. The vacuum isn’t anything spectacular and it’s incredibly noisy, but it’s nice for quickly vacuuming the floor prior to steaming. The steamer uses filtered water (I like to add a few drops of essential oils too) and it makes the floor super shiny. The only thing I find it doesn’t do well is removing dried on dirt. A little bit of elbow grease before steaming will help it lift off easier though. I bought it on sale at Canadian Tire several months ago – these things are always on sale so keep your eyes peeled!

12. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Ok, I’m only halfway through this book, but I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s a memoir about Cheryl’s quest to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail, as a single 26 year old, after experiencing a series of devastating events in her life. I’m dripping tears on one page, laughing like a crazy person on another, and in complete awe throughout her journey. I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds.

Whew, I guess that about does it for now.

PS- How the heck is it July 18th already? This is the point each summer when a little panic sets in…

By the way, these products were purchased by me and are not sponsored in any way. Just giving my honest opinion about products I enjoy.

Amazing, I can imagine what an experience that would be!
I was just in this huge hiking superstore the other day and I was dreaming about going on a long distance hike someday. How long are you thinking of hiking for?

Probably just 2 or 3 days, since it will be a part of a week long tour of Washington state. We have 4 kids, so getting babysitters for more than a week (plus I don’t think I could be away from them for more than a week!) would be a stretch. A few days of backpacking would be plenty for me, especially since I’ve never done it before!

My husband is the exact same way. I’ll be up for hours and his alarm will go off and just keep going off. How does he not HEAR IT?? I can’t STAND the sound of the alarm so I turn my off within milliseconds of it going off.

Wooohooo for Tonica Kombucha!! I might actually have to pick some up on my way home tonight because It’s been far too long (aka like 2 weeks) since I’ve had any! And great mention on the Learn Food Photography site. I found it a little while ago and have been loving the tips. My time lately has been split between food blog and photo blog reading!

I love Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap! I have it in liquid form, its good for multiple purposes and lasts forever! I need to find those S&V chips asap. Also that used to be my ringtone until I got an iPhone. Now mornings are much more pleasant.

Love the Bronner’s soap! We grew up using it and it is simply the best! Now we take it camping or traveling in liquid form – it can be shampoo, laundry soap, body & dish soap all in one. It also gets stains out of almost anything :)
Great post! Love the shot of those dates!

i’m a US girl, but i’ve been exposed to green beaver products & i absolutely love them! i’m trying to go much more natural with all my beauty & home products and this is a great company all around. i want to try their mint shampoo. i also would love to try the shark as the majority of the floors in my house are wood!

I have started seeing almond milk based icecream on store shelves lately but I didn’t think it would be very good…like creamy ya know? But a lot of people seem to really be liking it! I might have to give it a try!

Pardon me if you’ve mentioned it before and I’m being redundant, but have you ever tasted coconut water? I first dismissed it as part of the new gimmicky water trend, lumping it in with Vitamin Water and other power-waters that were somehow supposed to be more amazing than good old honest H20.
But then my pal had a Crohn’s attack and the accompanying electrolyte loss that comes without for various TMI reasons. But as a registered nutritionist she swears by the stuff and it was all she could keep down, and I sampled some of her stash and was instantly converted by the flavour. The healthy benefits are just a tasty bonus. And what with all your harsh weather (ie Ontario) running and doing stuff outside and whatnot, maybe you’d appreciate the hydrating effects of this stuff? Sorry if I sound like one of those spam messages. But it’s so good. Blue Monkey with pulp, dude. Your convenience store has it! Or other fancier brands. Just sayin, cause I am loving it now. (Also loving: falafels, kale, LIMA BEANS.)

Great post!
That book is def going on my huge “to read” list. Still on the fifty shades books that everyone forced me to read because apparently I’m the only one that hasn’t.
I have never heard of the rice trick before! Will keep that in mind :)
X

Dr. Bronners is indeed the best. I use a couple drops of the liquid peppermint soap added to the bucket when mopping the floors. The peppermint scent keeps mice away and it smells yum! Also it is great in the shower post hot summer run….refreshing!

Hands down my favorite tofu. – Love that soap! – We used to buy those dates but our Costco is 45min away and we canceled our membership. Such a great deal! – Give me those chips…now! – I’ve been looking for new face lotion, so I’ll have to check that out. – Someone recommended that book to me, and I think I might just read it next! – VK Rees is AMAZING. I’ve been obsessed for awhile now!!! – Thanks for the food photography link! I haven’t seen that!!

I love the lavender Dr. Bronner’s! It’s the best soup I think I’ve used in my memory.
Boyfriend and I also have the early riser/ late riser problem — with me being the former and he the latter. I like the think its one of my better qualities, though — I mean, I like to get up and make breakfast! Who can argue with that!

I’m a morning person too; don’t even use an alarm, automatically wake up 5-6:00. I finished “Wild” last night & loved it. I’ve hiked part of the AppalachIan Trail; since I live in Georgia. Can’t even imagine hiking non-stop for months!

I’m always so jealous of the vegan varieties of foods you get over there…there is so little of that kind of thing in the UK :-( thanks for the ‘learn food photography’ link as i hadn’t come across that. That book sounds great too- I love hearing about inspriring people. Thank you.

You should definitely try the Barbeque flavored Kettle Baked Chips! I’m a huge fan of Barbeque chips (vegetarian living in Texas, I have to get my barbeque somehow!) and they are probably my favorite (even including regular fried chips)!

I love Green Beaver’s moisturizers! I use the Apres-ski general moisturizer and it’s the only thing that has helped with my super dry skin.

One tip though: don’t use their sunscreen. It’s so so SO greasy. I used it on my arms/upper body on Canada Day weekend and ended up with a heat rash all over both arms that I had to get a prescription to get rid of.

Thanks about the heads up about the deal on Costco dates! That just gives me an excuse to make your no bake date squares more often. ;)

Also I’ve been really wanting to read that book! It’s next on my list as soon as I’m finished Bella Tuscany by Frances Mayes and The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz! I’m really into travel memoirs lately if you can’t tell haha.

Thanks for the recommendation on the book! My husband and I loving hiking and we would love to hike some long trails. We’re dreaming about the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail and the Appalachian Trail right now! I’ve never tried sprouted tofu but it sounds great, I’m going to have to seek it out!

That is the only kombucha I will drink, right down the the peach flavor! That’s super exciting about the almond milk ice cream because as a dairy-free, soy-free gal I really only have the coconut option.

I’m also excited that you are reading that book! I read an excerpt of it in a magazine and it sounded really interesting. :)

Just finished reading Wild and it’s a crazy good book. I was reading it on the treadmill at the gym one day and started crying. So embarrassing, but the writing and story were so good I just couldn’t hold back.

Hi Angela! Love this post! I’ve checked out several of your recommendations so far as well. I wanted to take a second to thank you for how inspiring you truly are to me, on a really personal level. I’ve followed your blog for about 3 years now, and can’t get enough. I even mentioned you in my blog in one post titled “Why I Eat Plants” (http://soulfulspoon.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-i-eat-plants.html).

Thank you for being you and sharing your story and freaking amazing recipes:)

My eric and I are the exact same way. I get up early and he would hibernate all day if he could. His alarm drives me nuts! I can’t count he number of times I have gone to the bedroom to turn the damn thing off.

Now I really want to read wild. The summary kind o reminds me of my lil sis who backpacks quite a bit in the mountains. She is very outdoorsy :)

My hubby and I are the SAME way! He usually sleeps in about 1 – 2 hours longer than I do, and NEVER wakes up in the middle of the night b/c of a barking dog or crying baby. I, on the other hand, hear EVERYTHING! I love this round-up of products, and I look forward to trying the Kombucha drink you highlighted, as well as the almond dream :)

Finished Wild and loved, loved, loved it!! I too was crying one minute and then laughing another. Dr. Bonner also makes some great body lotions, lavender being my favorite. Heading to Costco today and I’ll be looking for the dates. Thanks for the great post!!

Thank you for sharing the food photography blog! I’ve been looking for ways to improve in this area on my blog and have a long way to go. I love the “start here” page and am working my way through the step-by-step directions. This is awesome!

I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s soaps. I use the peppermint one (liquid) and it’s INCREDIBLE after a hot, sweaty workout – so cooling & tingly! I first found out about them after my local Moksha studio as that is what they used in the showers.

My dad got the Shark a few months back and man is it noisy! I grit my teeth every time he turns it on but since we have a Samoyed (white fluffy, year-long shedding dog) the Shark is great for picking up all of his hair.

I always buy sprouted tofu when I’m in the States, but have a harder time finding it here. Where do you get yours? Also, the BBQ Kettle chips = danger! They are soooo good. Proceed with caution is all I’m sayin… ;)

I just finished reading the book Wild last night and now I read about it on your site first thing in the morning. I got it at the library and read it in two days, it is hard to put down! You are so right, this book takes you from one emotion to the other in short order. I live in California and have been to the Hat Creek and Burney Falls areas and hope to go back. Once we stayed in a yurt and the other time in a cabin that had been built in the 1930’s. The nights are so dark there,it feels as if you can see a million stars and the Milky Way is easy to see. We live in a city and think that it is dark at night, but nothing like this. Every summer we talk about going back but half my children are grown now and as the others get older it is harder to find a time that works for everyone. I love to walk and have long dreamed of some wonderful adventure like this but know it will remain a dream.

I’ve heard about this “Wild” book–adding it to my reading list. And thanks for the tip on dates. I recently discovered that I love dates (and figs, and pine nuts. my 3 recent fad foods), so I’ll see if my local Costco has a similar deal. Thanks!

Hi Angela, I have been reading your blog for several months now, and I just wanted to say that I LOVE your recipes, writing, and photos:) I recently started my own blog (feel free to check it out), and I will probably be linking back to your fantastic culinary creations quite often:D Oh, and that Almond Dream ice cream looks fantastic!! And I have gotten those dates from Costco as well; they are certainly cheaper than at other stores. Again, thank you for giving me SO much inspiration with your recipes; I look forward to your cookbook:)

I’ve tried the Almond Dream, its good but too sweet for me and yeah a little icy. I actually ended up making my own almond milk ice cream, and to get it creamy I remembered your hot potato trick from your cookie dough dip, it totally worked!! I so far have made vanilla, chocolate, and coffee (all three i have on my recipage) But I bet if you stuck your dip straight (i.e. not thinned) into the ice cream maker it would be super thick like gelato:)

I agree, I can not believe how fast this year has gone by! Where can you purchase that brand of Kombucha? I am the crazy nut who loves the strong kombucha that everyone tells me tastes and smells like vinegar, but the one you like looks delicious.

I really wish they would sell more almond product here… I’d love to try that almond ice cream! I’ve tried almond yogurts when I still lived in the US. Now I am living in Germany and they sell nothing but ONE single brand of soy yogurt. You see what I am going through! ; )

I’m halfway through reading Wild too. I absolutely love it! I read this interview on The Great Discontent — http://thegreatdiscontent.com/cheryl-strayed — and downloaded her book 5 seconds later. She’s pretty amazing.

Ok, I just tried Almond Dream Vanilla Ice Cream for the first time last week. Totally Addictive! Generally I avoid foods with sugar but I may have to make an exception here. I think its much better than the coconut based ice creams I have tried.

I’ve had the Praline Crunch Almond Dream and it was decent (but not quite good enough to win me over from dairy ice cream or make me bother to seek it out again). I’m interested in trying the cappucino swirl one of these days, though – maybe it’s better!

I keep a pint of the almond dream Praline Crunch in my freezer. I actually can never find just the vanilla kind. The praline crunch reminds me of butter pecan, it doesnt taste that way but I think its the nuts that reminds me of it. I am looking fwd to the day when they start selling raw vegan icecream in the wholefood stores!

I bought the Oh She Glows book and would like to know the nutritional values. I have tried a few different areas but can’t seem to find them. There are a lot of recipes that look delicious but I am trying to track my food as points. Any help would be great!
Sharon[email protected]